Your Kitchen and Hurricane Season: A Preparation Guide

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Hurricane season peaks between August and October. Most preparation guides cover shutters, water and fuel — this one covers the appliances at the heart of your home.

Before the storm

Photograph your appliances and data plates. Model and serial numbers, clearly legible, saved somewhere you can reach them. It makes any future conversation — with us, your dealer or your insurer — far simpler.

Check that your products are registered. If you registered when your appliances were installed, your model and serial details are already on file with us, which makes a service conversation faster if you need one afterwards. If you haven't, it takes a few minutes.

Locate your gas shut-off. Both the valve behind your range and the main supply. Find them in daylight, before you need them.

Chill ahead. Set refrigeration to its coldest setting a full day in advance. A colder mass holds temperature far longer. Fill empty freezer space with containers of water.

Protect your electronics. Power surges on restoration are common. Unplug small appliances entirely, and switch off breakers serving larger ones.

During an outage

Keep doors closed. An unopened refrigerator holds a safe temperature for around four hours, a full freezer for around 48. Decide what you need before you open the door.

Generator safety. Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near any window or vent. Outdoors, well away from the house, always.

Never bring outdoor cooking equipment inside. Charcoal grills and camp stoves produce carbon monoxide.

Know your range. Electric and induction cooktops require power, and gas ovens require power for ignition and controls. Consult your Use and Care Manual for guidance specific to your model before you need it.

After power returns

Wait fifteen minutes. Restored power can be unstable initially.

Restore in stages. Refrigeration first, then everything else, with a few minutes between each.

Reset controls if needed. Switch the breaker off for a full minute, then on, and set the appliance again.

Check your food. Discard anything held above 40°F for more than two hours. Frozen food that still has ice crystals can generally be refrozen.

Inspect for water. Any appliance that stood in water needs professional assessment before use.

We're here afterwards

If you need assistance with a Fulgor Milano appliance, contact us through our Assistance page. Have your model number, serial number and proof of purchase ready, and please give us the opportunity to investigate before any component is modified or removed.

Frequently asked questions

How long will my refrigerator stay cold without power? Roughly four hours unopened. A full freezer holds around 48 hours.

Can I use my gas cooktop during a power outage? Consult the Use and Care Manual for your specific model, which sets out the correct procedure. Never attempt any method not described there.

What food should I discard after an outage? Anything held above 40°F for more than two hours, particularly meat, poultry, seafood, eggs and dairy.

How do I request service after a storm? Visit our Assistance page with your model number, serial number and original sales receipt to hand.